A suspended ceiling system, like any other, may need repairs, for which it must be partially or completely dismantled. You can invite craftsmen or try to do everything yourself. Let's figure out how to remove it yourself so as not to spoil the panel.
Before you start work, you need to decide what you have to deal with. The principle of fastening directly depends on the material from which the canvas is made. This can be one of two varieties:
Regardless of the method of fixation, installation suspension system starts with installing profiles. It is they who will subsequently hold the tension panel. Three methods are used to fix it:
Before you shoot, start with preparation. First of all, you need to choose a stepladder. It should be stable and high enough to make removing the canvas comfortable. In addition to this, you will need the following tools:
After all the tools are prepared, you need to prepare workplace.
The technology of the dismantling process depends on the method chosen for installation. Let's look at each of them in detail.
Used only for PVC coating. The fastener is very convenient because it allows you to disassemble the structure many times without damaging the panel. They start removing the film from the corner. Actions are carried out in the following sequence:
If the covering is subsequently intended to be pulled back, it must not be deformed.
Used for all types of ceilings. For dismantling, it is necessary to remove the fastening elements-beads from the profile. We offer step by step instructions.
As in the previous case, we secure it with clamps so as not to deform it.
If the glazing bead fastening is dismantled, it will be possible to put the tension panel in place only if the installers have left a sufficient supply of material. Otherwise, it is not possible to stretch the fabric.
Designed for installation of low-tensile coatings, such as polymer-impregnated fabrics. A clip is a type of fastening into which the edge of the covering is tucked inside. To remove it yourself, you need to remove the edge from the lock. We begin dismantling from the middle of the wall.
At the junction of the ceiling and wall surfaces, press on the panel. At the same time, carefully loosen the fastening with pliers or a screwdriver. The fixation of the fabric loosens and it can be removed from the clip. We do everything carefully to preserve the canvas. You will need it for subsequent installation. True, this is only possible if the fabric was not cut too short during installation.
Many people are concerned about maintaining the integrity of the fabric during dismantling, since it is not elastic enough. Fears are in vain if the work is done correctly. There are several rules to consider:
To eliminate any remaining questions, we suggest watching a video on the topic.
As you can see, if such a need arises, you can remove it and put it back. We told you how to do it right. This is a rather complex procedure that must be performed with strict adherence to technology. It is unlikely that you will be able to cope alone. It is advisable to find assistants who will ensure safety and high quality works
Stretch ceilings are a beautiful and reliable solution for the interior, but sometimes it happens that it is necessary to dismantle the structure. There may be a need to change the wiring or drain the water. There are usually no difficulties in dismantling the structure yourself, but it is worth remembering that the structure will have to be reinstalled, and this is quite difficult to do without calling specialists.
It should be remembered that you cannot use pliers during dismantling, otherwise you may damage the film.
Due to the fact that there are several options for installing the structure, there are also several ways to dismantle suspended ceilings. To completely remove a stretch ceiling, you should know the type of its fastening. It is possible that complete dismantling of the ceiling will not be necessary; you can get by with removing only part of the structure. Each specialist uses the type of fastening that the customer desires. If the client knows what type of fastening was used during installation of the ceiling, then dismantling will be much easier.
Types of structure fastening:
The first fastening option is similar to a clamp; in this case, the blade is guided by a cam during installation, which ensures reliable fixation of the blade.
The second type of fastening of the tension structure consists of a wedge, which is located in the groove of the baguette with the canvas already stretched. Further into the design is located ceiling plinth, an even more clamping wedge.
Fastening with a harpoon consists of a hook-shaped edging or a harpoon fixed in a special groove of the baguette. This type of fastening is created in production; it is soldered along the entire perimeter of the ceiling in accordance with the measurements of the room for which the canvas is made. This type of fastening is convenient because its installation and dismantling is easy to do independently, the risk of damage to the canvas in this case is minimal. The harpoon fastening does not deform the canvas, unlike the other two types of fastening.
Due to the fact that with wedge and cam types of fastening the ceiling contracts and changes its shape, re-installation seems impossible.
Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that removing the film during dismantling is really necessary; it is quite possible that only a few holes that were made for the lamps are sufficient.
To dismantle the cam-fastened blade, you need to use a spatula, it is best if it is made of plastic. During dismantling, the cam is pressed out and the film is carefully pulled out from under it. Next, the spatula is placed in the place where the canvas has already been dismantled and the film is pulled out again. You can remove the cam-mounted ceiling yourself.
To dismantle the ceiling with a harpoon, it is enough to remove the plastic insert from the baguette, then, using a spatula, pull the moving part away from the harpoon. The canvas is simply pulled out of the baguette with your own hands.
Removing a ceiling with a wedge fastening is easy; it doesn’t even require pulling out the canvas with a spatula. It is enough to remove the plinth, the wedge will loosen, then you need to loosen the baguette fasteners with a spatula.
Removing the ceiling and then installing it presents some difficulties.
It is not always possible to dismantle the canvas in such a way that it remains undeformed:
If you plan to install the ceiling again after dismantling, then the main thing is not to damage the canvas.
For seamless ceilings there is no need to heat them to high temperatures. The difference in dismantling with PVC ceilings is that you need to start from the center and work towards the edges.
Re-installation of such a ceiling depends on the accuracy of dismantling. Throughout the entire dismantling, it is necessary to warm up the canvas.
There are several main points to highlight suspended ceiling on one's own.
You should know that it is not possible to put the ceiling back in all cases; the decisive factor in this matter is the careful removal of the canvas.
Step by step instructions:
In conclusion, we can say that you can remove the suspended ceiling yourself, the main thing is to do it carefully if you plan to install it again. It should be remembered that complete removal of the stretch ceiling is not necessary in all cases; for example, it is easy to drain water from the ceiling using the holes for the lamps. If you don’t rush and do everything correctly, you can disassemble the structure without calling specialists.
Sometimes the question arises - how to remove a suspended ceiling and then install it yourself? The reasons for this can be very different. For example: repair of the canvas due to minor damage or the need to lay new communications and electrical wiring. When changing the design of the room, you can reformat the surface of the ceiling, making it two-level. But for this you need to remove the film or fabric ceiling with your own hands, without damaging its integrity.
This idea seems complicated, but in fact the whole operation is quite simple and can be done by any homeowner. Provided that a person has knowledge of how to remove a suspended ceiling with his own hands. Otherwise, it is better to seek the help of specialists in this field; they will cope with this work quickly and without any problems, saving your time.
But removing tension structures also has its pitfalls. The possibility of removing the canvas depends on what kind of ceiling structure is installed. Some cannot be dismantled and are considered disposable, while others, on the contrary, are easy to remove and reinstall. One of the aspects that determines the difficulty of removing a structure is the type of profiles that are used in it. The fastening system and the type of canvas also play a role. Before you remove the suspended ceiling yourself, let’s figure out what fastening systems exist.
Today at construction stores you can buy a wide variety tensile structures. Depending on the type of fastening, the list of its parts also varies. Usually they offer one of three types of fastening systems shown in the tables below.
The fastening system helps to understand how to remove the stretch ceiling structure, and the possibility of its removal determines the type of ceiling - PVC or fabric. This can be determined visually (if you know what the appearance of the fabric looks like visually), or by asking the company that installed the tension fabric. 
To remove the PVC sheet without damaging it, you need a heat gun, just like during installation. Without heating the canvas, it may be damaged and there will be no way to return it to its place. Both installation and dismantling of PVC stretch ceilings is carried out from the corners to the middle of the wall, slowly warming up the canvas.
The temperature inside the room where the stretch ceiling is being dismantled is high and before work it is better to foresee this by moving all the furniture outside the room. It is difficult to dismantle a PVC sheet yourself and it is better to leave this work to you construction team, which specializes in this type of work.
It is quite easy to remove a fabric stretch ceiling without damaging it, since this type of fabric does not require heating and can be dismantled without the involvement of a construction team.
To dismantle a suspended ceiling, you need a certain tool, preferably your own, and not rented, although this does not affect the quality of the work:
The first step is to prepare the room. We remove everything unnecessary from the room, furniture, carpets, decorative elements. Not only will they get in the way, but they can also be damaged when heating the room with a heat gun. Then you can begin dismantling the canvas.
To properly remove the stretch ceiling fabric, you need to dismantle it in reverse order installation This means that the first step will be to remove the rubber insert between the wall and the ceiling, which is decorative and hides the seams. It is removed quite simply, find the joint, carefully take out one end and slowly remove it. 
After you have gotten rid of the decorative insert-plug, you should begin preparing the canvas for dismantling. If a fabric stretch ceiling is installed, then this item can be skipped.
For dismantling work with PVC cloth, you need to heat its surface using gas gun so that it does not tear during removal. Select the area from which you will begin dismantling and thoroughly warm it up. It's better to start from the corner of the room. 
Next, you begin to remove the canvas from the profile, carrying out this operation with pinpoint precision so as not to tear the PVC film. Carefully remove the glazing beads (if there are any in the structure) so as not to damage them, since they will still be useful, and then pull out the canvas. It is advisable to carry out this work together.
If you pull the canvas, you will tear it - be careful.
On video: dismantling the suspended ceiling.
Let's figure out how to remove an installed fabric stretch ceiling with your own hands. This type stretch ceiling can be dismantled quite easily, but re-installation can be big problem, this is due to how much additional area canvas left.
Usually the team installing the ceiling does not think about this; it must be warned in advance, or hope for conscientious work “forever.” For re-installation, only a couple of centimeters of canvas in length and width may be enough.
Partial withdrawal fabric ceiling when used as clip-on baguette fastenings, it is impossible; unlike other systems, removal will have to be carried out completely. If you ignore this advice, with partial dismantling, you can tear the canvas, and it will have to be replaced, but completely.
Let's start with the harpoon mounting system. Remember - you should always start from the corners. We take out the decorative insert around the entire perimeter of the structure. Then, using pliers, remove the canvas, pulling it out by the tip of the harpoon. 
How to remove a suspended ceiling yourself without damaging the canvas. This question may arise if your neighbors have flooded you, or you are simply tired of the appearance of your ceiling. And here you may encounter the first difficulties.
The fact is that all types of suspended ceilings are mounted in three different ways. To produce the reverse action, we just need to know the type of fastening of the ceiling sheet.
There are, and they are really different. Judge for yourself.
Types of suspended ceiling fastenings:
How can you find out the type of fastening if you did not install the ceiling yourself? Everything here is quite simple - the type of fastening is specified in the contract for the work performed. If you cannot find it, see our material and identify the fasteners installed in your home.
Its main characteristics:
The features of this fastening are as follows:
Features of the type:
Note!
Fastenings are not the only criterion that determines the degree of difficulty of dismantling.
And although there are no particular difficulties in disassembling, the fabric used, or rather the material from which it is made, requires an individual approach.
Today there are suspended ceilings:
- from PVC film
- made of canvas on a fabric base.
The first ones are mounted and dismantled using special heat guns to heat the canvas.
In the second case, this clever design is not needed.
So, the question of whether it is possible to remove a suspended ceiling has already been resolved. Can. Let's prepare the tools and get to work.
Today we will need:
Note!
To minimize the possibility of damage to the canvas, it is recommended to wrap a metal spatula with mounting tape.
Note!
If you are using an electrically powered heat gun, make sure you have separate wiring.
Otherwise, there is a very high probability of doing repairs and wiring in the apartment.
Note!
If dismantling is carried out by one person, then combining film retention and work is almost impossible.
For the convenience of the worker, this recommendation is introduced.
You can purchase these clothespins at a regular hardware store.
Removing a stretch ceiling begins with removing decorative overlays. Next, prepare the heat gun.
Note!
The heat gun is prepared only for PVC ceilings.
So, how to properly remove the tension PVC ceiling? This is done as follows. All furniture is removed from the room in which the work will take place, and all decor is removed from the walls. The windows are covered with fabric against the effects of temperature. Then, using a heat gun, we raise the temperature in the room.
Note!
It is necessary to grab the harpoon with thin-nose pliers, and not the canvas.
Otherwise, the canvas will tear, and re-installation will be impossible.
Note!
Be sure to use gloves to prevent leaving marks on the heated plastic.
Note!
The success of re-installation depends on whether there is a supply of blade in the grooves remaining after the previous installation.
When re-stretching, this allowance will not remain without work.
We begin to remove the PVC sheet from the corner
How to remove a fabric stretch ceiling yourself? Yes, very simple. Dismantling is practically no different from PVC equipment.
However, there are several nuances that require coverage:
And it's all? And that’s all, everything you need to know about removing suspended ceilings.
So, you already understand how to remove a suspended ceiling so that the canvas remains intact and can be installed. To visualize what you have read, we suggest you watch a video about dismantling a stretch ceiling with your own hands. It will help answer questions that may still remain.
Stretch ceiling is a universal covering that can serve for many years. It does not burn out and does not lose its appearance even under the influence of internal factors of the room. Having installed it, you can always forget about the need to repair the ceiling until you get tired of it.
Sometimes situations arise when you need to dismantle a suspended ceiling, but you would like to put it back in place. For example, you want to repair the walls, lay tiles, re-arrange the wiring, or you need to soundproof the ceiling from the neighbors above. But your suspended ceiling is still good! There are even situations when the customer and the installer do not fully understand each other and the customer receives something completely different from what he expected. In these situations, the question arises: Is it possible to somehow remove the suspended ceiling, and then, after various dirty work, install it in its original place?
To understand whether your canvas can be reused, you should first understand what material the entire structure is made of. You also need to understand what method of fastening the canvas was used.
In most cases, the canvas can be carefully removed for later use. The question is whether you are qualified enough for this procedure. Plus you will need special tools:
Ideally, entrust this work to the company that performed the initial installation of your ceiling. In this case, it will be possible to avoid or minimize damage to the canvas. The installers who stretched the fabric will know all the nuances of the room and understand where to start dismantling.
It is worth considering that even if you were able to dismantle the ceiling yourself, this does not mean that you will be able to put it back in place.
Currently, such ceilings are mainly made from polyester vinyl films. Fabric sheets are usually placed on profiles with a clip system. In this case, precise cutting of the canvas is not required: the material reaches the object in the form of a cut, which slightly exceeds the area of the room. After inserting the film into the profile, the craftsmen trim off the excess material. If you remove such a ceiling, there will not be enough fabric left for re-tensioning. That is why, after removing the fabric ceiling, you will have to re-order the canvas. But this can just help if, as a result of renovation, you have reduced the area of the room. Wall leveling or laying tiles, can significantly reduce the area, and your canvas will be suitable for a new stretch.
Approximately the same system is used when installing ceilings using the glazing bead method. It is used when installing tension fabrics made of polyester fabric and pvc films. In this case, as in the first example, an approximate cutting of the material is performed, and the excess is cut off after filling. Therefore, it will be possible to re-install such a ceiling only if the area of the room has decreased.
It will be possible to reuse the tension fabric if the ceiling is made of vinyl film, which is fixed into the profiles using a harpoon method. And if the area of the room did not change. This method uses precise cutting of the canvas to the size of the ceiling, taking into account the shrinkage of the material. A special profile or hooks are welded along the perimeter of the PVC film, which are inserted into the profile and provide reliable fastening to the walls. This ceiling can be reused as much as you like. The main thing is to carefully dismantle the canvas.
Now you understand whether you can use the suspended ceiling again. But is it worth carrying out such a complex procedure yourself, because there is a risk of ruining everything? Our experts strongly advise against removing and installing suspended ceilings with your own hands.
In addition, in this case you lose the right to warranty service for your ceiling structure. And damage to the coating will lead to the need for it complete replacement. Therefore, without having experience working with tension fabrics And special tools, it's not worth risking your ceiling. The best thing is to entrust the dismantling and re-installation to our installers. They will do this work quickly and efficiently, so that you can enjoy a flawless and perfectly even stretch ceiling for many years to come.
